I wouldn't count on a software upgrade. Everyone else has went to the Q9 which is a Windows Mobile 6 device. What they were probably talking about is a switch to the Q9c which is the next version of the Q and the next logical step for Alltel. The page below lists the Q9c for Alltel, but also states that it's not yet available.
http://www.wirefly.com/catalog/allte.../motorola/q9c/ Before the Q9c becomes available I would expect some sort of month long deal on the original Q (maybe free with activation of a smart choice plan).